First the good news: Port Erin Commissioners are refurbishing the play area at Athol Park in a major £90,000 overhaul.

Now the bad news: Work is taking place over the school summer holidays.

The timing has attracted some criticism on Facebook - but the authority insist that there is never a good time to do the works. The authority say that doing work when the weather is more likely to be dry and with more daylight makes it easier and quicker to complete.

Also the project had to fit in with UK-based contractor Kompan Limited’s workschedule.

Several people noted the nearby beach is more popular anyway during fine weather.

The upheaval promises to be worth the five-week wait.

There have been months of consultation with the public, including young people, about what is needed.

The existing play area will incorporate inclusive and themed play for younger children with some of the existing play equipment, such as the slide, ship, junior swings and trim trail being retained.

Project

The project will also see the creation of a new inclusive play area primarily aimed at teenagers within the current junior football area of Athol Park towards Droghadfayle Road.

Chairman of the commissioners Godfrey Egee said: ’The board and officers have been working behind the scenes for many months on this project and we are very pleased to announce that the scheme is about to get underway.

’The overall cost of the project is £90,000, which the board feels is a sound investment to add to the recent projects undertaken by Port Erin Commissioners aimed at the younger end of our community including the Erin Crescent play area and the highly popular beach sports equipment.’